Every October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds us that digital safety isn’t just a concern for companies or tech experts—it’s also about families, seniors, and anyone who wants to protect what they’ve built over time.
One of the newest and most insidious threats is deepfakeDeepfakeArtificial intelligence–generated video, audio, or images designed to impersonate real individuals.View full definition → technology: videos, images, or audio created by artificial intelligence that imitate real people so convincingly they can fool even a trained eye. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) work on synthetic content and forensic evaluation, deepfakes exploit advanced neural network techniques and generative models that can gradually learn to reproduce voices, faces, and human gestures with alarming precision.
Deepfakes & Family Wealth: A New Frontier of Fraud
Many assume that deepfakes are only used to manipulate videos of celebrities or politicians, but digital criminals are increasingly using them to target ordinary families, seniors, and professionals.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reports a growing number of scams targeting older adults, often involving cloned voices or falsified videos that imitate children, relatives, or trusted advisors (FBI Elder Fraud).
In 2024, the global engineering firm Arup lost more than $25 million after an employee followed what they believed were legitimate instructions from the company’s CFO—whose voice had been perfectly cloned by artificial intelligence. That same year, deepfake videos of public figures such as YouTuber MrBeast and BBC presenters were spread on Facebook and TikTok to promote fake investment schemes that defrauded thousands of viewers.
As the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) explains in its “Tactics of Disinformation”, these digital manipulations (including deepfakes) are used by actors to spread false narratives, sow confusion, and pressure people to take impulsive actions such as authorizing money transfers, altering legal documents, or disclosing sensitive information.
In the world of estate planning, this risk takes on an even more personal dimension. Decisions about wills, trusts, and powers of attorney rely on authenticity, trust, and clarity. But if a falsified voice or face enters the process, even the most carefully prepared plans can be compromised.
Imagine a scammer impersonating a family member or advisor via video, urging you to “sign an urgent estate update.” Or a fake beneficiary sending a video message to claim assets or bank accounts.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that imposter scams—fraud based on stolen identities—are among the most common in the United States, often exploiting relationships of trust to deceive victims.
Today, protecting your estate plan means more than storing documents safely or avoiding taxes—it also means defending your digital identity and ensuring your true wishes cannot be manipulated by emerging technologies.
How to Protect Yourself: Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
During a video call or recording, it can be difficult to tell what’s real and what’s artificial. However, a few key details can help you recognize a deepfake before it’s too late.
1. Watch facial expressions and movements.
Even the most advanced deepfakes often reveal small imperfections:
- Lips that don’t perfectly match the voice;
- A fixed or unnatural gaze;
- Inconsistent lighting or shadows; or
- Stiff or robotic head and shoulder movements.
2. Listen carefully to the voice.
The FBI reports a rise in voice-cloning scams. Pay attention to:
- Unnatural tone or rhythm;
- Abrupt pauses or flat, mechanical speech; or
- Sudden or emotionally charged requests for money or document changes.
If you receive a call urging you to “act immediately,” hang up and verify the request by contacting the real person through a trusted channel.
3. Check the behavior and context.
A relative or advisor who suddenly uses different wording, or contacts you unexpectedly about financial matters, is a red flag. The CISA reminds us that no legitimate institution will ask for sensitive information through chat or video without verification.
4. Don’t trust “perfect” images.
According to the FTC, scammers often steal photos or social media profiles to create fake identities. Avoid posting personal videos or family photos publicly when possible.
5. Strengthen your digital defenses.
- Use unique, complex passwords;
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA);
- Keep your devices and software updated;
- Never click suspicious links or attachments; and
- Ask a trusted family member or advisor for help if something feels off.
For more information, visit the official Cybersecurity Awareness Month campaign by CISA and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA).
6. Trust your instincts.
If something feels wrong—it probably is. You can report fraud attempts to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or the FTC Report Fraud Portal.
Practical Tips for Families & Seniors
Beyond recognizing warning signs, it’s essential to adopt everyday habits that build digital safety. Here are a few simple but powerful strategies:
- Create a family “safe word.”
Choose a secret code or phrase known only to close relatives. In an emergency, anyone who contacts you should know it—this simple step can instantly expose an imposter. - Limit personal information online.
According to the FTC, the less personal content you share—photos, voice clips, or videos—the less material scammers have to build a convincing deepfake. - Verify requests through multiple channels.
If you receive a suspicious message or call, confirm it using a known phone number or meet the individual in person. - Use secure notarization and e-signatureE-SignatureA legally recognized electronic signature used to sign documents digitally instead of on paper.View full definition → services.
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework recommends strong authentication protocols for signing legal and financial documents online. - Stay informed.
Attend local workshops or follow educational programs promoted through Cybersecurity Awareness Month to stay current on new scams and technologies.
Digital security—like estate planning—is an ongoing process. Each small precaution contributes to your peace of mind and that of your loved ones.
By Your Side, with Expertise & Clarity
Protecting your family today means defending not only your home, accounts, and property but also your digital identity.
For more than 20 years, we have guided families with care, transparency, and experience. Whether you’re creating your first estate plan or reviewing existing documents, our goal is to help you:
- Safeguard your assets and intentions from digital threats and fraud;
- Appoint trusted individuals to manage health and financial matters;
- Reduce conflict and unexpected tax consequences; and
- Preserve your legacy for the people you love most.
Don’t wait for a scam or crisis to catch you off guard.
📞 Call us today at (806) 765-8801 or contact us here.
Your loved ones deserve safety. You deserve legal peace of mind.
